Are You Ready To Buy Your First Horse?

You've loved horses ever since you were a kidyour real life. If you travel frequently, can't or
and have always dreamed of owning one. You'vedon't want to commit to a regular schedule, or
spent the last three years taking horseback ridinghave a very busy work or family life, then this
lessons. You know how to tack up, muck out, andmight not be the right time in your life for horse
have read just about every book out there onownership. Remember, horses must be fed,
the care and feeding of horses. No one can doubtwatered, and cared for according to schedule, and
that you've put your time in. Horses are noit's up to you to be able to maintain that schedule.
fleeting fancy, but are a hobby that is here toÂ- Do you have the space for a horse?
stay!You either need good accommodations at home,
So, are you ready to buy your first horse? Well,or you need to find a place to board your horse.
before you break out your checkbook you needIf you are keeping your horse at home, at the
to take stock of a few things in your life tovery least he needs two grassy acres, a run-in
determine whether horse ownership is right forshed, and an adequate water supply. If you keep
you.your horse at home you also need to know that
Â- Do you have the knowledge? Howhe'll appreciate some company. It's best if you
much time have you really spent around horses,have room for an additional horse, a goat, or
and has it been hands-on? If you ride at a fancysome other companionable animal.
stable that tacks and untacks your horse for youÂ- Do you have the money for a horse?
then guess what? You aren't having the full horseHorses are very expensive! Add up everything it
experience! Make sure you know what is reallywill cost to keep your horse happy and healthy.
involved in caring for, feeding, and cleaning upInclude food, farrier bills, veterinary bills, insurance,
after your horse. A great way to learn about alltraining, and board if you keep him somewhere
that is involved in horse ownership, withoutother than home. Now, does this figure fit into
making a long-term commitment, is to lease ayour budget? On the fence about whether you
horse. Try leasing a horse for a year or two andcan afford horse ownership? Again, leasing is a
then decide if horse ownership is really for you.good option. When you lease a horse, you are
Â- Now that you know what is involved,responsible for all of his monthly bills for a certain
do you have the desire? Horse ownership is aperiod of time. If you find at the end of this lease
tremendous amount of work. Are you up for it?period that your horse has eaten well but you
If you aren't, that's perfectly okay. If you reallyhaven't, then you may want to reconsider horse
love riding horses but don't enjoy all the extraownership when you are in a better financial
stuff that goes along with them, then why notsituation.
just keep taking riding lessons? Ask yourself whatRemember, owning a horse is hard work and can
you really love about horses. If you love thingsbe extremely taxing on your time and resources.
like mucking out, grooming, feeding, and takingBefore you embark on the exciting journey of
care of horses, then you would probably make ahorse ownership, make sure you are ready!
great horse owner!For more great information on buying horses
Â- Do you have the time for horseplease visit our horse network and find valuable
ownership? No more showing up at the barn,information that will save you thousands in
riding for an hour, and then heading home to yourmistakes or vet bills.
real life. When you are a horse owner, horses are